On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

12 Bohemian Garnets

Popular during the Victorian Era, Bohemian Garnets are dark rich garnets often rose-cut set in clusters that almost resemble Pomegranates, which not coincidentally is where the name Garnet comes from. These 12 pieces of jewelry (all featuring bohemian garnets) range in price from just $250.00 up to $1,895.00 and are the perfect evening wear.

11 Pearl Bracelets

These stretchy freshwater pearl bracelets come in a variety of colors. They are fun to mix and match and stack and range in price from $20.00 to $32.00 each.

10 Painted Agates

Echo of the Dreamer is one of the newest designers we are working with. Each one of the items shown has at least one beautiful painted agate. Echo of the Dreamer is finely fabricated in Sterling Silver with beautiful assorted embellishments. Items pictured range in price from $245.00 to $796.00.

9 Bollicine Baubles

One of Roberto Coin’s newest collections, the Bollicine collection evokes the playful effervescence of champagne bubbles, this anthology of jewels is one to love. Set in 18k yellow or white gold, with or without accentuating diamonds, this collection is one of the most sensual styles there are. The 9 items pictured range in price from $1240.00 to $2700.00.

8 Moonlit Icicles

The moonlight ice collection from David Yurman features sterling silver and ruthenium with white and black diamonds and/or beautiful colored gemstones. Items pictured range from $900.00 to $2850.00.

7 Colored Diamonds

1.70Ct Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond set in 18K yellow gold $25,995.

2.38Ct Fancy Yellow Diamond set in Platinum by renowned jeweler Joshua J with 1.71cttw accent diamonds. $44,300.

1.51 Ct Fancy Deep Brown/ Yellow / Orange Diamond set in Platinum by Joshua J with 1.87cttw accent diamonds. $72,725.

1.14Ct Fancy Light Brown Diamond set in 18K white gold by Joshua J with 1.14cttw accent diamonds. $9950.00

2.35Ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond set in Platinum with 0.48cttw accent diamonds. $34,650.

1.11Ct Light Pink Pear shaped Diamond set in Platinum by Joshua J with 0.40cttw accent Diamonds on an 18K white gold chain. $28,500.

Chandelier Earrings featuring 3.49cttw Fancy Yellow Pear shaped diamonds set in Platinum and 18K yellow gold by Joshua J with 2.06cttw accent diamonds. $47,000.

6 Silver Stingrays

Sterling Silver jewelry by Zina features designs from the most simple elegant pendants to beautifully complex bracelets. All of the pieces shown here feature sterling silver fashioned in the pattern and texture of stingray skin. Pieces shown range in price from $130.00 to $260.00

5 Gold Rings

We know, you expected yellow gold. White gold is extremely popular, especially for wedding and engagement rings because it goes with everything. Featured here are rings from designers B&Co, Harout R, Ritani, Alishan, and Dora. We also carry engagement rings from Joshua J, as well as custom designs by our own Hugo Carson and Ron Beauchamp. Rings shown range from $795.00 to $6725.00

4 Gorgeous Gemstones

All four of these rings were custom designed and made right here in Albuqueruqe, NM by our own jewelers. They feature some of our most gorgeous gemstones (we have many more) including, spessartite garnet, tourmaline, and citrine. Prices range from $2345.00 to $9500.00.

2 Princess Diamonds

We now carry two very distinct Princess Cut diamonds. The picture shows models of a traditional princess cut diamond and the FireMark Diamond, the most perfectly cut princess diamond in the world. You really have to see them to understand how amazing the FireMark Diamond really is.




The Firemark Princess
What makes the FireMark Princess the most perfectly cut princess diamond in all the world? Find out for yourself! Click on the above picture to watch a video.

And . . .

Cento Diamonds in a pair of earrings

The Cento Diamond by Roberto Coin is exquisite. Each round diamond features 100 facets to increase the fire and scintillation in each stone. 2.22cttw Diamond Stud Cento Earrings G/SI2 $35,600.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

12 Tiny Treasures

Designs from the Tiny Treasure Collection are available in 18K White or Rose Gold and range in price from $420 to $1500.

11 Pairs of Earrings

We have stud earrings in every color from diamonds to rubies to sapphires. We have topaz, emeralds, aquamarine, peridot, citrine, tanzanite, and diamonds, of course.

10 Yurman Necklaces

For the gentleman in your life we have a wide selection of David Yurman jewelry including these necklaces. We also have cufflinks, rings and bracelets for gentleman. Oh, and of course we have a wide selection of David Yurman jewelry for the ladies too.

9 Ladies’ Datejusts

From Rolex we have Datejust watches for the ladies in 26mm, 31mm, and 36mm diameters.

8 Strands of Milk-white pearls

A classic part of any jewelry wardrobe are beautiful white pearls. We have white pearls in many different sizes as well as colored pearls.

7 Submariners Swimming

We didn’t put them underwater for this picture but the Rolex Submariner is water resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet). Despite its affinity for water it is perfectly appropriate for desert dwellers as well.

6 Gift Cards Giving

Can’t decide what to get your true love? Give her a gift card and let her pick out her own gem from Beauchamp Jewelers.

5 Golden Rings

This was the easiest verse of the song for us. We have golden rings with and without precious gems. Pictured are rings from designers Alex Sepkus and Cherie Dori.

4 Calling “Birds”

Art Nouveau Bracelet circa 1890 featuring the four images of a beautiful woman in 13K yellow gold.

3 French Flowers

Antique watchkeeper Pin “Fleur- De-’Lis” plated in Rose Gold. 18kt Cherie Dori “Fleur De Lis” pendant with black and white diamonds on an 18″ chain. Sterling Silver and 18K yellow gold Konstantino ring featuring “Fleur-de-lis” pattern.

2 Turtle Doves

15K yellow gold Victorian micromosaic pin circa 1860-1880 featuring two beautiful illustrated doves.

And a . . .

Pear shaped diamond in a gold ring.

Partridges aren’t really our thing, but we do like Pears; at least when they are pear shaped diamonds. This beautiful 18K yellow gold ring features a 1.70Ct Pear shaped natural fancy intense yellow diamond with a GIA Certificate and 0.18Ct diamond melee.

We just returned from our annual jewelery buying trip and as usual we found lots of beautiful pieces for the store. When I attend trade shows I always look for the latest trends. I look for aesthetic trends as well as new materials that are being introduced in the production of jewelery. This year there is a definite movement toward bold, chunky pieces, or as Ron calls them, “Funky Chunky”. The shapes are geometric and bold. Whether this aesthetic is translated into rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces  they definitely make a statement. The look is fun and exudes confidence. The materials are unconventional.

I saw beautiful pieces of jewelery crafted in wood, leather, agate, and  rock crystal. (I had to pick up a few of these rock crystal pieces for my own collection and for the store.) The look is not so much about “precious” materials as it is about the love of decoration. This is not to say that we didn’t see fabulous pieces that had fabulous retail prices. One particular bracelet we saw, was made from chunky slabs of diamond rough… Ooh la la! I HAD to have it until I asked the price, only $500,000.00. Needless to say I very carefully handed it back to the vendor. (If this is in your budget this season let us know and we will be happy to get it in for you.)

There were also lots of long necklaces, 30″ or more. Roberto Coin translated the look in fine spun threads of 18kt gold.  David Yurman was showing long rope chains sprinkled with segments of gemstones. Vianna had a fabulous rope chain bezel set with segments of a new material they are calling “Indigo Quartz”. Talk about the perfect thing to throw on with a pair of blue jeans and a T-shirt!  We, of course, purchased lots of goodies in this style. The new items will be slowly appearing in our showcases over the next few months. This Fall, please come in and feel free to bring an outfit or two and play with the new look and see what you think. You may find that accessorising with a new pair of dramatic earrings or a long necklace set with geometric gems may be the perfect thing this Fall to update your existing wardrobe.

Those of you who prefer the classic style should come in and check out Roberto Coin’s work. Although Roberto is an amazing designer and trend setter his work always has that timeless quality that is so enduring.

The new look is upbeat and exuberant and with the crowds attending and buying at the show we were left with a sense of optimism about the upcoming year. Happy collecting!

April’s birthstone is the most famous of all the gems: Diamond. For more technical information about diamonds you can check out the following posts from our Gemologist:

Diamond Color
Diamond Cut
Carat Weight
Diamond Clarity

The most famous diamond in the world is probably the Hope Diamond which you can read about here:

The Biggest Diaimond You Own

If you are looking for the perfect birthday gift for an April Birthday you might try some of what you see below. Diamonds can of course be found in earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, watches, and every imaginable form of jewelry. You will also find beautiful diamonds in all of our designer lines including David Yurman, Konstantino, Alex Sepkus, Cherie Dori, and of course Roberto Coin, whose Cento Diamond cut is head and shoulders above the rest with 100 facets which add to it’s brilliance and fire.

Click on any picture to find out more about the item or visit our web page at bcjewelers.com for more beautiful diamond pieces.

Topaz is the Birthstone for November and the 4th and 23rd wedding anniversary stone.

The Egyptians said that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Legend says that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight. The Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make the wearer invisible. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink and curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon. It was said to cure insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages. The name comes from the same island that Peridot originally came from – Topazios or Zabarad in the Red Sea. In Sanskrit, the word topas or tapax means fire. In medieval times nobility and ruling classes were given engraved topaz as a token of loyalty and friendship.

The name for Imperial Topaz originated in nineteenth century Russian because the Ural Mountains were the leading source. Ownership of the gem was restricted to the royal family.

Today most people think of blue when they think of topaz and yellow topaz is often mistaken for the common citrine or smoky quartz.

American Golden

The most famous topaz is a giant stone set in the Portuguese Crown called the Braganza. The Smithsonian has many large specimens including the biggest faceted gem (by weight) ever recorded known as the “American Golden” It weighs 22,982 carats or 10.14 pounds.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63894475@N00/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Topaz is the state gemstone of Texas and Utah.

Source

The Ouro Preto area of Brazil is the major commercial source of imperial and red topaz. The Ghundao Hill area of Pakistan produces a naturally pink to red topaz sometimes called “cyclamen pink”. Brazil and Sri Lanka are the most significant sources of treatable colorless topaz. Topaz comes from Australia, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria and the USA as well. The primary source of gem-quality topaz are pegmatites. Because it grows in an orthorhombic crystal structure (crystals are typically elongated with strong parallel grooves or striations, parallel to their length) it has weaker bonds between the atoms in one direction which causes cleavage. A sharp blow or extreme pressure or sharp temperature changes might cause it to split along the cleavage plane.

Properties

• Toughness – poor due to cleavage
• Stability
• Reaction to Heat – might cause fading.
• Reaction to Light – might cause fading.
• Reaction to Chemicals – not resistant to sulphuric acid.
• Care during polishing and setting because of danger of cleavage
• Rarities include Red, Pink and Imperial or Precious Topaz
• Most popular cuts are emerald or step cut, scissor cut, cabochon and brilliant cut particularly for colorless Topaz.
• Confused with Apatite, aquamarine, brazilianite, chrysoberyl, citrine, danburite, diamond, fluorite, kunzite, orthoclase, phenakite, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tourmaline, zircon and precious beryl. Blue synethetic topaz is known. Yellow heat-treated amethyst are falsely called “gold topaz” or “Madeira topaz” so real topaz is sometimes called precious topaz to distinguish them.
• Enhancements –
• Blue Topaz – depending on type of treatment and starting material, it comes in many shades of blue.



• London Blue
• Swiss Blue
• Super blue
• Maxi Blue
• Sky Blue
• Blue starts usually as colorless and treated with gamma rays or high-energy electron radiation. This is permanent. The stones must be quarantined from three months to a year to allow radiation to dissipate.
• Heat treatment is usually used on yellow to create pink and red hues. This is also permanent.
• Surface Diffusion – stones are heated in cobalt-rich powder which produces color about 0.5mm deep at the surface.
• Coating – coating colorless topaz with microscopic layer of metallic oxide compound by heating the stone in a vacuum-sealed container with metal oxides to form a vapor coating. This causes an optical effect of visible spectral hues. The coating is not durable but can resist daily wear but abrasive cleaners and buffing wheels remove it. It is safe in ultrasonic, alcohol and mild soap.

Synthetics – glass, synthetic spinel, flame fusion, flux, hydrothermal, Czocharalski-pulled, doublets

Care

• Cleaning methods
• Ultrasonic – avoid
• Steamer – avoid
• Warm soapy water – safe
• Pickling Solution – see above in Reaction to Chemicals